Atmosphere Foundation has celebrated the graduation of the second batch of its ‘Zero to Divemaster’ Scholarship Programme, bringing the total number of young Maldivians trained through the initiative to 20 as the Foundation continues to build pathways into professional careers in the country’s diving industry.

Ten participants completed the second batch of the three-month programme, which takes students through a structured training pathway from PADI Open Water Diver to Advanced Open Water Diver, Emergency First Response, Rescue Diver and, ultimately, professional Divemaster certification.

Delivered in partnership with Moodhu Bulhaa Dive Centre in Vilimalé, the programme is designed to enable Maldivians to enter the professional diving industry even without previous diving experience. The second batch, comprising five women and five men, began training in July following the completion of the inaugural cohort.

The latest graduation builds on strong outcomes from the first batch, which began in April 2026 with 10 participants. All 10 successfully obtained their professional Divemaster certifications, while nine have since secured employment across safari vessels, resorts and island-based dive centres.

The 90 per cent employment rate among the first batch highlights the programme’s success in translating professional training into direct employment opportunities within the Maldives’ tourism and marine sectors.

Beyond technical diving skills, the programme provides participants with training in safety, emergency response and the responsibilities associated with working as a professional Divemaster. The progressive training structure is intended to equip graduates with both the qualifications and practical competencies required to work in professional diving environments.

A key component of the initiative is the level of financial support provided to scholarship recipients. Atmosphere Foundation covers tuition, required certification and registration fees, while also providing accommodation and meals during the programme. The scholarship for the second batch additionally covered training materials and dive insurance, helping remove financial barriers that could otherwise prevent participants from pursuing professional diving qualifications.

By covering both the cost of training and participants’ day-to-day living requirements during the course, the programme allows scholarship recipients to focus on developing their diving skills and completing the demanding progression towards Divemaster certification.

The programme also links scholarship support with a longer-term commitment to the Maldives. Participants agree to work within the country’s diving and marine industry for at least two years after successfully completing their certification, helping ensure that the skills developed through the initiative contribute directly to the local workforce.

With diving forming an important part of the Maldives’ tourism industry, the initiative seeks to expand opportunities for Maldivians to develop specialised skills and pursue careers in an area where trained professionals are required across resorts, liveaboards and local dive centres.

The results of the first cohort provide an early indication of the programme’s potential. While only three graduates had secured jobs when the second batch was launched in July, that figure has since increased to nine, reflecting continued progression into employment following certification.

Following the completion of two batches, Atmosphere Foundation has confirmed that the Zero to Divemaster Scholarship Programme will continue, providing further opportunities for Maldivians seeking to enter the professional diving industry.

With 20 participants now having completed the programme across its first two cohorts, Zero to Divemaster is developing from a training initiative into an employment pathway, combining internationally recognised diving qualifications with practical skills, financial support and a direct connection to career opportunities within the Maldives.

From 22 December 2026 to 7 January 2027, Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu, part of Coco Collection, invites guests to experience Roots & Tides: Celebrating Maldivian Heritage, a festive celebration centred on island traditions, local flavours, the rhythm of the ocean and the warmth of Maldivian hospitality, brought to life through cultural, culinary and nature-led experiences.

Roots & Tides draws inspiration from generations of Maldivian island life and an enduring connection to the sea. Its roots honour the people, customs and stories passed down through time, while the tides echo a close relationship with the surrounding waters. Both are intertwined, embodying the resort’s eco-conscious approach and barefoot state of mind.

Set amid lush tropical greenery and pristine beaches within the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu is surrounded by rich marine life, where barefoot bliss comes effortlessly. Guests are invited to slow down, reconnect with nature and enjoy a holiday that feels authentically Maldivian.

The programme begins with the annual Festive Tree Lighting and Saifodhu, accompanied by music and a warm sense of togetherness.  The colourful Bodu Mas performance captures the creativity and storytelling of Maldivian culture, alongside Lava Baazi, a traditional chain-song that calls for teamwork and quick thinking. The Keyolhu Beach BBQ rounds off these cultural highlights with homegrown favourites served in a relaxed setting by the sea.

There is something for every kind of escape. Couples can find time for two with restorative yoga, sunset drinks or the Maldivian Dream Escape, a signature Coco Spa ritual designed to restore relaxation and connection.

Families and friends can spend quality time together over leisurely brunches, shared meals and live music, or escape to Embudhoo, a secluded uninhabited island surrounded by turquoise waters and untouched natural beauty, for a private picnic and time together away from it all.

Young explorers have plenty to look forward to at the Coco Little Islanders’ Corner. From Little Hoteliers and hidden treasure trails to arts and crafts, cookie decorating, pizza making and Kids’ Ocean Day, each activity brings a playful mix of creativity, discovery and learning.

The sea opens a different world.  Ocean Stories offers an introduction to the vibrant marine environment around the resort, while Turtle Tales follows the remarkable journey of sea turtles and the importance of protecting them.  Adventure continues along the house reef with Aquatic Raiders, an underwater treasure hunt beneath the waves.

Christmas and New Year bring their own culinary highlights. Christmas Eve features a gala dinner with live music, while New Year’s Eve begins with sunset aperitifs before a gala dinner and countdown to 2027. The first days of January continue at an easy pace, leading to the Island Festive Feast on 6 January, followed by Afterglow, with a bonfire, DJ and special performances.

Through it all, there is room for the simplest pleasures, such as sharing good food with family and friends, spending meaningful time with loved ones and taking in the beauty of the island. Recognised as Maldives’ Leading Green Resort in the World Travel Awards 2023, 2024 and2025, Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu continues to champion a more thoughtful way to experience the Maldives.

Download the full festive programme here. To spend the festive season at Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu, guests can contact reservations@cococollection.com to plan their stay and learn more about the special Coco Festive Celebration.

The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort, the award-winning private island resort in Dhaalu Atoll, will commemorate its 10th anniversary from November 10–20, 2026, with a 10-day celebration bringing together internationally acclaimed chefs, award-winning bartenders, immersive wellness experiences, family-friendly activities, artistic collaborations, and marine conservation initiatives. Marking a decade since welcoming its first guests in November 2016, the milestone celebrates the resort’s legacy of exceptional service, distinctive design, world-class dining, and bespoke island experiences in one of the Maldives’ most extraordinary destinations.

Since its debut, the resort has become renowned for its striking architecture inspired by the surrounding natural landscape, hallmark St. Regis service, expansive villas, vibrant house reef, and commitment to sustainability. The resort continues to attract discerning travelers, couples, and families seeking meaningful experiences in one of the world’s most sought-after island destinations.

The anniversary celebration begins on November 10 with a sunset cocktail reception overlooking the Indian Ocean, welcoming guests, associates, and partners to mark the occasion. Throughout the evening, guests will revisit a collection of the resort’s most memorable cocktails, including creations that have become part of The St. Regis Maldives’ story.

During the reception, guests will also be invited to participate in a special coral restoration initiative in partnership with Reefscapers. Together, they will create a coral frame in the shape of the number 10, which will be installed on the resort’s thriving house reef as a living tribute to its first decade and ongoing efforts to support marine conservation in the Maldives. The evening concludes with a celebratory beach dinner under the stars, featuring a specially curated menu of dishes that have defined the resort’s quintessential dining experiences over the past decade.

At the heart of the anniversary programme is a series of collaborations with internationally recognized tastemakers whose work embodies craftsmanship, creativity, and cultural exchange.

In collaboration with Fann Art Therapie, guests of all ages can participate in Mandala String Art workshops from November 11-12. Inspired by mindfulness and art therapy, the workshops will invite guests to express their own island stories through art, creating a personal reminder of their time on Vommuli Island.

Felice Capasso, recipient of the World Class Global Bartender of the Year 2025 title, will take over The Whale Bar for a special guest bartending appearance on November 11. As part of the celebration, he has created the Bright Mary—his contemporary interpretation of the iconic St. Regis Bloody Mary, paying tribute to one of the brand’s most enduring traditions.

Adding another sensory dimension to the celebration, Louise Farina, ninth-generation descendant of the historic Farina est. 1709 fragrance house, will present perfume masterclasses on November 14 and 16, alongside an immersive dining experience on November 15 inspired by the signature notes of the Original Eau de Cologne. Guests can also enjoy a limited-edition Farina-inspired cocktail, available at The Whale Bar from November 14–20.

The culinary programme culminates with Alexander Herrmann, the acclaimed German chef, restaurateur, television personality, and bestselling author behind the two-Michelin-starred AURA by Alexander Herrmann & Tobias Bätz. During an exclusive evening at Decanter, the resort’s intimate underground wine cellar, Herrmann will present a bespoke wine-pairing dinner on November 19, followed by a masterclass on November 20, offering guests a rare insight into his contemporary approach to gastronomy.

The anniversary celebration concludes on November 20 with a sunset cocktail reception overlooking the Indian Ocean, bringing together guests, associates, and partners to mark the resort’s first decade.

“Over the past ten years, we have had the privilege of sharing in some of life’s most treasured moments with our guests,” says Ozgur Cengiz, General Manager of The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort. “From the beginning of lifelong journeys and once-in-a-lifetime romantic escapes to cherished family gatherings, milestone celebrations, and memorable personal achievements, each stay has contributed to the rich story of our resort. These shared experiences with guests from around the world have shaped the spirit and legacy of The St. Regis Maldives. As we celebrate this remarkable milestone, we honor not only our guests, whose trust and loyalty have inspired us throughout the years, but also the dedicated associates whose passion, commitment, and pursuit of excellence have made The St. Regis Maldives the iconic destination it is today.”

As The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort enters its second decade, the resort remains dedicated to delivery extraordinary guest experiences while championing sustainable tourism, marine conservation and the timeless spirit of bespoke island hospitality.

Discover more about The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort at stregismaldives.com.